Lock construction

ABSTRACT

A lock construction comprising a plurality of circuit boards. The circuit boards are ganged together to form a connective circuit path. When a key is inserted and turned in the keyway of the lock, the connective path is altered. Only the correct key will allow entry. The circuit of the lock may either be an electrical circuit, or an analogous fluid circuit.

United States Patent 1191 Salzman et a1.

LOCK CONSTRUCTION Inventors: Robert Stephen Salzman, 27

Holbrook Dr., Stamford, Conn. 06906; Gerald Martin Goldman, KnollwoodExtension, Elmsford, NY. 10523 Filed: Aug. 18, 1972 Appl. No.: 281,649

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 244,678,April 17, 1972, which is a continuationin-part of Ser. No. 199,883, Nov.l8, I971.

US. Cl. 200/11 D, 200/44 R, 200/45 R, ZOO/61.59, 70/278 Int. Cl. H0lh19/58, I-IOlh 21/78 Field of Search 200/44, 11 D, 45, 61, 59, 200/166 K;70/277, 278; 317/134 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1898Carleton 70/278 7/1958 Tabet .200/l l DA July 2, 1974 3,165,599 1/1965Clay 200/44 3,403,380 9/1968 Welch 70/278 3,571,534 3/1971 Ashman200/168 LC 3,599,454 8/1971 Hill et al. 340/149 A FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 933,396 8/1963 Great Britain 200 11 1) 419,456 3/1947 Italy..200/44 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Garner, L. E. Jr., An Electronic CombinationLock, Radio and TV News, April 1955, p. 52.

Primary ExaminerDavid Smith, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Robert StephenSalzman 5 7 1 ABSTRACT A lock construction comprising a plurality ofcircuit boards. The circuit boards are ganged together to form aconnective circuit path. When a key is inserted and turned in the keywayof the lock, the connective path is altered. Only the correct key willallow entry. The circuit of the lock may either be an electricalcircuit, or an analogous fluid circuit.

1 Claim, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEU ill 2 I974 sum 2 2 LOCK CONSTRUCTIONLocking System, Ser. No. 199,833, filed Nov. 18,

The present invention concerns itself with the construction of a lock asgenerally disclosed in the above cited applications, and with a furthermodification of a fluid analogue system based upon the electricalcircuitry of said applications.

The electric lock of the previous applications is constructed accordingto this invention as a plurality of ganged circuit boards. Each circuitboard represents the pairing of two single pole double throw switches.When the circuit boards are connected together, each pair of switches isconnected so as to form the connective electrical path of the priorapplications. The switches in the circuit board are formed by rotativemembers containing a conducting strip that is caused to move between twoelectrical positions. The rotative members contain a keyway for theinsertion of a key. If the key contains a tooth at a particular rotativemember position, then the rotative member will turn when the key isinserted and turned. If no tooth is present at a particular rotativemember position, then the rotative member will not turn when the key isinserted and turned.

In an analogous system, a fluid path is created which is identical withthe electrical path. The fluid lock is constructed of a plurality ofganged circuit boards similar to the electrical construction. The fluidcircuit boards are cemented and sealed together to create a fluid tightcircuit path. Rotative members alter the flow path of the fluid throughthe lock of circuit.

Both the electrical and fluid locks work on the double key principle asset forth in the aforementioned applications wherein: One key isinserted in an inaccessible part of the lock to set a combination, andthe other key is inserted in an accessible part of the lock to set acombination. When the combinations match, as when the keys arecomplementary, the lock will be released.

It is an object of this invention to provide improvements in a lockconstruction;

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel fluid locksystem and construction;

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an easilyassembled, low cost lock construction;

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent andwill be better understood with reference to the following drawings inwhich:

FIG. I is an exploded isometric view of a first embodiment of theinventive lock construction;

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway frontal view of the lock construction ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the lock construction of FIG. 2 takenalong lines 3 3;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a rotative member of the lockconstruction of FIGS. 1 through 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of theinventive lock showing a fluid system;

FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the lock construction for the fluid systemof FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the alternating circuit paths of the lockconstruction of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the lock construction of FIG. 6 takenalong lines 8 8; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rotative member of the lockconstruction of FIGS. 6 through 8.

Generally speaking, thev invention is for a lock con structioncomprising a plurality of ganged board-like elements, each respectivelycontaining a portion of a circuit. Each of the elements are gangedtogether to form a connective circuit path in and between the elements.Means are supported by the elements for altering the continuity of theconnective circuit path.

Now referring to FIG. l, an exploded isometric view of the firstembodiment of the inventive lock construction is shown. The lockconstruction comprises a plurality (generally more than the three boardsshown here) of ganged circuit boards la, lb, 10, etc. Each of the boardsmechanically fasten to neighboringv boards by means of snaps 2 and 2',respectively. Each board element has a circuit portion denoted generallyby arrow 3. Terminals 4 of each circuit are connected to all the otherterminals 4 of the circuits in boards la, lb, lc, etc. Terminals 5 ofeach circuit are connected to all other terminals 5 of the circuits inboards la, lb, llc, etc. This connective construction will produce anelectric path of the kind shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the previous filedapplication, Ser. No. 244,678, filed Apr. 17, 1972.

If on the other hand, terminals 4 and 5 are connected in sequentialpairs, the connective circuit path of FIGS. 2 through 4 of the previousfiled application will be produced. For example, terminal 4 of board lawill connect with terminal 5 of board lb, terminal 4 of board 1b willconnect with terminal 5 of board lc, terminal 4 of board lc will connectwith terminal 5 of board ld (not shown), etc. This series circuit pathis best accomplished by use of alternating circuit boards as will bebetter described with reference to FIG. 7 hereinafter.

By far, the easier construction is the parallel circuit (circuit ofFIGS. 7 and 8 of application Ser. No. 244,678) because all the terminalsconnect in parallel with each other as aforementioned. In order toaccomplish this construction, a wire is passed through all the terminals4 and another wire is passed through all the terminals 5. Wire 15'through terminals 5 is shown in FIG. 3. A similar wire 15 is connectedthrough terminals 4 (FIG. 2).

The series circuit construction requires individual pairing between theboards, rather than passing a connective wire through the terminals. Inaddition, the series circuit is more susceptible to compromise byshorting all the terminals, since it is a closed circuit path. The opencircuit of the parallel circuit does not have this drawback.

Circuits 3 represent pairs of single pole double throw switches, whichare alternately reversed by means of rotative members 8 and 8,respectively. Members 8 and 8' fit within circular slots 9 and 9',respectively. Rotative members 8 and 8 each contain a conducting strip10 and l0, respectively. The conducting strips form a conducting pathbetween the middle terminals 11 and 11', respectively, and either of theend contacts 6 and 7, or 6' and 7', as the case may be. In other words,depending upon the positions of the rotative members, differentswitching paths are formed. The rotative members move between the endterminals by means of an inserted key that is turned (provided thatthere is a tooth at that particular rotative member position). Similarrotative positions will cause a conducting path between terminals 4 and5. Dissimilar rotative positions will result in an open path betweenterminals 4 and 5. Rotative members 8 and 8, respectively, have a keywayslot 12 and 12', respectively (FIGS. 1 through 4). The rotative membershave elongated slots 14 and 14, respectively. These slots serve to aidin assembling the rotative members into the circular slots 9 and 9',

' respectively. The rotative members are made to have resiliency, andare slightly over-sized for circular slots 9 and 9. Elongated slots 14and 14 make it possible to compress the resilient rotative members 8 and8' as shown by arrows 16 in FIG. 4. The compressed rotative members arepressed into the slots 9 and 9', respectively, and then allowed todecompress. The result is that the rotative members are then snuglypositioned within the circular slots. Another objective of thedecompression is that the conducting strips and 10 are biassed into snugconductive engagement with the contact members 6, 7, and 11, or 6, 7,and 11, respectively.

The rotative members 8 and 8 are each prevented from rotating beyond thelimits of the contacts 6 and 7, and contacts 6 and 7, as the case maybe. This is accomplished by tab 17 (FIG. 2) which rides in slot 18 ofthe circuit board. The slot 18 has just enough width so that the strip10 cannot over-shoot the end contacts. Rotative member 8 has a tab 17'riding in slot 18'.

Now referring-to FIG. 5, a schematic view of a fluid lock system isshown. The fluid lock is an analogue system of the electrical lock ofFIGS. l-3. Instead of an electrical path, a fluid path is createdbetween rotative elements and 20'. The fluid path maybe either a seriesfluid path or a parallel fluid path, the same as the electrical circuitsof the electrical lock construction.

Fluid is introduced to the fluid lock through line 23. Fluid exitsthrough line 24 and travels to a bellows element 25. Independent of thefluid circuitry (series or parallel), fluid may be supplied to thebellows 25. The electric switch 26 is activated by the expansion of thebellows element 25, when it receives fluid from line 24. The switch 26may be employed to close or open an electrical circuit.

As with the electrical lock, the fluid lock has an inaccessible cylinder20', which may be disposed within a firewall of a car, or behind anautomobile dash partition. Key 19' is inserted in cylinder 20 at thetime of manufacture of the automobile.

Hydraulic pressure is created in the hydraulic system of an automobile,when it is started. Fluid from the hydraulic system is supplied to line23, and hence to lock 30 at that time. The car occupant then puts key 19into cylinder 20. If keys l9 and 19' are a match, then the switch 26 maybe actuated to throw a solenoid, freeing the steering and/ortransmission of the automobile. The switch 26 may also be used tocontrol other systems of the automobile as well.

The novel feature of a fluid lock system, is that in order for anintruder to compromise the system, he

must perform a plumbing operation. This would be so time consuming, thatthe theft of the automobile would become extremely risky for the thief.

In addition, the fluid lock system has the same high security andpickproof features of the electrical system. The fluid lock has theadvantage over the electrical lock in that it can be used whereelectrical power is prohibitive or dangerous, such as in explosivemanufacturing areas.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 9, the internal construction of the fluidlock 30 of FIG. 5 is shown. FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the lock 30showing the fluid entering through line 23. The lock 30 is constructedof boardlike elements generally shown by arrows 50 in FIG. 8. Theboard-like elements 50 are glued and sealed along edges 41, so as tocreate a fluid seal for the fluid circuit shown generally by arrow 22 inFIG. 6.

Similar to the lock construction of FIGS. 1-4, the fluid lock hasrotative members 20 and 20 analogous to members 8 and 8. Rotativemembers 20 and 20', respecitvely alter the path that the fluid may take,analogous to the changing of the electrical path. Rotative members 20and 20 contain a fluid slot 40 and 40, respectively (FIGS. 6 and 9).These fluid slots are analogous to electrical conducting strips 10 and10.

FIG. 6 shows by sequential arrows one possible fluid path for theflowing fluid in the circuit 22. Fluid entering the lock through line 23is introduced to the circuit 22 through terminal opening 34. Terminal 34is analogous to terminal 4 of the electrical system. From there, thefluid enters the slot 40 and is directed into fluid path 51. Had therotative member 20 been in the alternative position, the fluid wouldhave been directed through path 52.

From path 51, the fluid enters the other slot 40' of rotative member20'. Since the rotative member 20 is in a complementary position withrotative member 20, the fluid is passed to terminal opening 35, which isanalogous to terminal 5 of the electrical system.

From terminal opening 35 the fluid is passed on to the subsequentboard-like element 50. The fluid flow path is then repeated for thisboard, then for the next board, and so on. The fluid finally exits thelock through terminal 35 of the last board-like element into line 24(FIG. 5).

In a series circuit, it is advantageous to reverse the terminals 34 and35 every odd board, i.e. boards lb, 1d, 1 f, etc. This arrangement alsoapplies to the electrical lock construction, whereby terminals 4 and 5are reversed every other board. The alternating board constructionprovides a direct coupling fluid path (or electrical path) betweenneighboring board-like elements.

For the fluid circuit 22, the reversal of the terminals 34 and 35 areshown in circuits 22 and 22", of circuit boards 31 and 32, respectively.In constructing the lock, board-like elements 50 are alternated betweenboard 31 and board 32 so as to yield the sequence: 31, 32, 31, 32, 31,32, etc. (FIG. 8).

Rotative members 20 and 20', respectively are free to move, but arefluid sealed in the board-like elements. The rotative member 20 has akeyway 42, while rotative member 20' has a keyway 42. The rotativemembers have an appurtenance 55 which rides in slot 56 in the board,which limits their rotation similar to the electrical elements 17 and18.

The electrical construction was shown with a preferred parallelconnective circuit, and the fluid circuit was shown with a preferredseries construction. Either fluid or electrical construction can have aparallel or series circuit, or they may have a hybrid circuit whichconsists of a combination of the two.

These and other modifications which will naturally be apparent to theskilled practitioner in this art, are deemed to lie within those limits,scope and spirit of the invention as presented by the appended claims.

What we claim is:

l. A lock construction, comprising a plurality of ganged board-likeelements, said board-like elements being ganged one behind the other inadjacent contiguity, each board-like element respe cwly containing aportion of a circuit, two spaced apart conductive wires passing throughand interdisposed between said boardlike elements interconnecting saidcircuit portions, said elements forming when thusly ganged one behindthe other with the other elements in said ganged construction, aconnective parallel circuit path composed of each of the respectivecircuit portions in each boardlike element, and at least one keywayformed by rotative key receiving members supported in openings of saidboard-like elements, said keyway being formed for the purpose ofreceiving an insertable key therein and including conductive means onsaid rotative members for altering the continuity of said connectiveparallel circuit path upon rotation thereof.

1. A lock construction, comprising a plurality of ganged boardlikeelements, said board-like elements being ganged one behind the other inadjecent contiguity, each board-like element respectively containing aportion of a circuit, two spaced apart conductive wires passing throughand interdisposed between said boardlike elements interconnecting saidcircuit Portions, said elements forming when thusly ganged one behindthe other with the other elements in said ganged construction, aconnective parallel circuit path composed of each of the respectivecircuit portions in each board-like element, and at least one keywayformed by rotative key receiving members supported in openings of saidboard-like elements, said keyway being formed for the purpose ofreceiving an insertable key therein and including conductive means onsaid rotative members for altering the continuity of said connectiveparallel circuit path upon rotation thereof.